Menands sewer plant still running after 'minor' fire

Staff report

Published 10:47 am, Saturday, August 11, 2012

MENANDS — A "minor" fire at Albany County's North Sewer Plant is not affecting wastewater treatment operations this morning, county officials say.

The fire happened at about 5 a.m. during a routine weekly shutdown on a rubber conveyor belt in the solids handling building, officials said.

"At no time during this incident has there been any violation, no runoff into the river or release in the air from the plant and importantly, no injuries," County Executive Daniel McCoy said. "There is no threat to public safety or impact to the environment."

The cause of the fire is being investigated but it is believed to be accidental, County Sewer District Executive Director Richard Lyons said. Conveyor belt repairs should be completed within 24 hours, he said.